Rep. John Olver, D-Mass., will not seek reelection in 2012 -- sparing Bay State Democrats from an uncomfortable situation next year as the state loses a seat in reapportionment.
In announcing his decision, Olver said his family played a large role in his decision, too: his wife, Rose, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier this year.
In announcing his decision, Olver said his family played a large role in his decision, too: his wife, Rose, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier this year.
"Last December, I announced that I intended to seek to continue my congressional service beyond 2012. Over the past six months, circumstances within my family have substantially changed, and I now find I must reconsider my earlier decision," Olver said in a statement. "Therefore, I will retire from the House of Representatives at the conclusion of the current (112th) Congress."
There's a long list of western Massachusetts Democratic state legislators that have eyed Olver's seat, but may not have a chance this time depending on how the lines are drawn. If there's an opportunity to run for an open seat in western Massachusetts, state Sen. Andy Nuciforo, state Sen. Jen Flanagan, state Sen. Ben Downing, state Sen. Stan Rosenberg, former state Rep.Dan Bosley would all be possible candidates. On the Republican side, state Sen. Mike Knapikcould run, but would face a tough campaign in a solidly Democratic part of the state. Jim O'Sullivan contributed
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/10/olver-won-t-seek-reelection-in-2012-26
There's a long list of western Massachusetts Democratic state legislators that have eyed Olver's seat, but may not have a chance this time depending on how the lines are drawn. If there's an opportunity to run for an open seat in western Massachusetts, state Sen. Andy Nuciforo, state Sen. Jen Flanagan, state Sen. Ben Downing, state Sen. Stan Rosenberg, former state Rep.Dan Bosley would all be possible candidates. On the Republican side, state Sen. Mike Knapikcould run, but would face a tough campaign in a solidly Democratic part of the state. Jim O'Sullivan contributed
http://www.nationaljournal.com/blogs/hotlineoncall/2011/10/olver-won-t-seek-reelection-in-2012-26